Vila do Conde: Convent, Aqueduct and Beaches

Vila do Conde is a historic shipbuilding town at the mouth of the Ave river, north of Porto. It has a huge convent on the hill, a long aqueduct, a replica of a 16th-century ship, and broad sandy beaches. It’s easy to reach by metro from Porto.

Quick answer: Vila do Conde is on metro line B from Porto (about 45 minutes to an hour). See the Santa Clara Convent and the long aqueduct, climb aboard the replica nau on the riverfront, and walk to the beaches. Combine it with neighbouring Póvoa de Varzim.

Things to do

• Santa Clara Convent: a vast convent on the hill above the river.
• The aqueduct: a long series of arches that once carried water to the convent.
• The replica nau: a reconstruction of a ship from the Age of Discovery, with a museum on shipbuilding.
• The beaches: long sandy beaches along the Atlantic.
• Lace-making: the town has a lace tradition and museum.
• The Camino: the Coastal route passes through. See the Camino Português.

Where to stay

Easiest as a day trip from Porto. See where to stay in Porto.

More: the best beaches near Porto and Porto public transport.

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